Should I clean carbs?

[slawosz]

I have 2 outboard motors, one 3.5 hp for boat, one 2hp for tender. Both 2 stroke. Both running fine. I wonder if I should give carbs proper clean before season starts, or just don't touch them (this was my first season with outboards)?

 

[pvb]

Why bother if they're running fine?

 

[fredrussell]

The most important engineering lesson you can learn: If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Try To Fix It.

 

[chriss999]

I cleaned mine and learned a lot in the process, and gained confidence in how these things work. (I didn’t dismantle any valves, just a dip in a little ultrasound bath, dry & refit.)
I’m not great with engines but it is a baby step.

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

What do you mean "proper clean"? I would not dismantle the carbs, if that is what you mean by proper clean. Provided that the engines run ok, I would drain the carbs to make sure there is no water or dirt at the bottom of the chamber, (should be a drain screw) put fresh fuel and test run the engines.

 

[William_H]

Most carburetors will have a drain plug on the float bowl. Definitely worth draining the bowl in case of fuel left from last use. The petrol evaporates leaving mostly oil. Flush a bit of new fuel through. ol'will

 

[lw395]

Worth familiarising yourself with removing the float bowl.
A squirt of carb cleaner while it's off perhaps?

 

[Stemar]

The most important engineering lesson you can learn: If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Try To Fix It.

This!!!!!

If they're running fine, the best way to flush the carbs through and decrud everything is to use the engines.

I recently had my old faithful 2T engine stolen and had to replace it with a 4T. With the 2T, I was fanatical about running it dry after use, as it avoids any number of problems. AIUI, it's less important with the 4T, but I'll still keep on doing it. I flush it by running it in fresh water when I put it away, so turn the fuel on, start it and turn the fuel off lets it run long enough to wash the salt out.